This tremendous strike from Sam Johnstone helped West Bromwich Albion to a key 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers (QPR). That fierce battle was played out at The Hawthorns. This big win is just what the team needed. Indeed, the Sand Dwellers had lost four out of five matches coming into this fixture. The win lifts the morale of the team immensely. It clears head coach Ryan Mason, whose own position has come under pressure from sections of the Albion fanbase, if not the players.
The game played out in memorable fashion. In the 35th minute, that all changed when Ousmane Diakite gifted West Brom the lead with an own goal. Nicolas Madsen’s free-kick produced an unusual turn. The ball bounced off Diakite and curled into the goal as if it had a tail on it! Nat Phillips made the most from a set-piece and doubled West Brom’s advantage. He netted a second, just seconds later, putting them firmly in the lead on the scoreboard.
Match Highlights
Fair enough West Brom’s attacking approach was clear from the outset. George Campbell was vital, not just by helping Phillips’ goal happen but by overall leading the attack that night. Despite an early rough start, QPR had a powerful return. Their shotstopper, Ben Hamer did as he does and made a string of big saves to keep them in the game. Hamer’s most impressive save came when he smothered a low drive from Kieran Morgan, giving a glimpse of his quickness and instincts.
The away side parked the bus, turtled and played a counter attacking game, but the home side still found way too many chances. In a close moment late in the game, Grant’s goalbound effort was blocked by Isaac Hayden, preventing West Brom from extending their lead. The contest continued to be evenly contested all the way to the final whistle, teams aggressively pursuing that all-important game-changing edge.
Impact on Team Morale
This win is especially impressive for Ryan Mason, who was under fire from sections of the support prior to the game. That win scores major points in the league standings. It boosts the spirits of Mason and invigorates his players. Speaking after the match, head coach Ben Olsen was clearly relieved as he detailed the magnitude of those three points for his side’s campaign.
Beyond Mason’s tactics, the influence of substitutes like Josh Maja and Isaac Hayden deserve mention. Maja’s fresh legs brought some immediacy to West Brom’s attack. Hayden’s dominant defensive performance kept QPR organized and able to withstand stretches of pressure.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, West Brom hopes to gain steam as they set their sights on future matches. The club will look to build on past unevenness and make the most of this new-found belief. The players and coaching staff are aware that sustained performance will be necessary to climb further up the league table.
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